This is the sequel to my Percy Jackson story "Ghost Girl". If you haven't read it, please do so before you read this. Things are about to get... confusing.

Prologue

Sally put her hand over her mouth. This couldn't be happening. This couldn't be real. It had to be a dream. A nightmare. She subconsciously pinched herself, feeling like she was going to throw up. "What does it say?" she whispered.

Her husband, Paul, looked up from the letter in his hand warily. Sally could tell he wasn't sure how to read the letter without making her cry, which she would anyways. She grabbed it from his hand before he could answer and began to read her son's untidy scrawl.

Dear Family,

This is pretty hard to write. I'm not sure where to start.

I'm running away, right now, as you read this.

First, Mom. I'm so sorry. Really, I am. But Annabeth and I... we found out some stuff. We found out about the Freedom Corps, about Dad. Annabeth's connected, somehow. We don't know how. That's why I had to leave. I have to find out for her, and for me. About Dad- I think he's still alive. I don't know if you knew or not. If you did, I'll try not to be too mad at you. If you didn't, well... Things were implied. We visited Zeus in New York and he told us. (Don't try and talk to him about us. It's not worth the effort.)

Now, Paul. Look, you've been awesome. You're a really great guy, and you make my mom happy, so I'm glad you married her. But my dad should have been a part of these last few years, and he wasn't. I hope you understand why I have to find him.

And Tyson- Don't worry, buddy. When I find Dad, I'll make him come see you. Just try and help Mom out. Be strong for her. I don't think she'll take it too well.

Lastly, Annabeth- and before you get angry and shred the paper, just hear me out. I'm going to find out what your part in all of this is, I swear. I'll find your parents, too. Just don't hate me. I didn't want to go, but I had to. Stay out of trouble, Ghost Girl. And don't forget me.

I'm sorry. I couldn't keep being in the dark. I have to find out where Dad is, maybe see him a little. I've known he was alive this whole time. It was a feeling, like you couldn't get rid of him if you tried. And it's not like you guys will never see me again. I promise, I'll call you and check in with you as soon as I can. I just needed to get away, that's all. I need to know. I need answers. And please don't try to find me. I have to do this.

I love you all. Please don't forget that.

-Percy

Sally lowered the paper, her jaw slack and her eyes unfocused. Her throat made a strangled kind of noise as she set the paper down on the counter. She wasn't going to cry. Not yet. Not when there was still hope. "His cell phone, we can use that to track him. Do you know if-"

Sally trailed off as Paul looked down and held up Percy's cell phone in his hand. "It was on his bed," he said apologetically.

"Was there anything else in his room?" Sally questioned, moving towards the phone.

"No, and... well, there's something else I need to tell you."

She spun around. "What is it?" she said sharply.

Paul took a deep breath. "Annabeth's gone too. I think she went with Percy, or after him. They both must have left in the night."

Sally almost couldn't breathe as she picked up the phone. "I'm calling 9-1-1."

She began to dial the numbers in, but suddenly Paul was by her side, sliding the phone from her grip. "Sally," he said quietly. "Percy said he didn't want to be found. He said this is something he has to do, and I think he's right."

She could feel her heart breaking in her chest. "It's not right to let a 16-year-old boy wander off by himself into the world."

"He might have Annabeth with him," Paul pointed out. "And Sally... he's 17."

Sally's eyes widened. It was August 18th. Percy's birthday. She finally released the sob that had been scratching at her throat since she read the first words of the letter. She leaned on Paul and he hugged her, not seeming to mind the flood of tears on his t-shirt.

It hurt her chest. Her cheeks felt sticky and crusted from the already dried tears, like she had a face mask on. And the worst part was, she knew that Paul was right. This was something that Percy had to figure out on his own. It was her fault for keeping it from him all these years. At least the odds would be in his favor if Annabeth was with him. Sally couldn't think of any other explanation as to where the girl had gone.

What a team, those two. Sally almost smiled. If anyone could help Percy, it would be Annabeth, and vice versa.

"Mommy?" Sally felt Paul stiffen. They pulled out of their hug and turned to find Tyson at the bottom of the stairs. His eyes were wide, and he looked much too frightened in his pajamas than any little boy should have been. "Why did you cry?" His small voice rang out so shakily that Sally was afraid he had something in his throat.

She and Paul exchanged worried glances. Her own worried question was mirrored in his eyes. How are we going to tell him? She looked back into Tyson's face and was sure that more tears where yet to come.

Percy, she thought. Wherever you are, please. Come home soon.

So, that was the prologue! It was short, I know, but whatever. There will be rather large gaps in between updates, but I am in school now, and I already have an essay to work on.

-Rebel